01 Oktober 2010

Apache Training Suspended

Apache training has been suspended after the helicopter crash landed on a Woodlands field (photo : Reuters)

THE Ministry of Defence has temporarily suspended all training for its fleet of Apache AH-64 helicopters pending the outcome of the investigation of one which crash-landed on Thursday afternoon.

Training for the Republic of Singapore Air Force's (RSAF) Sikorsky S-70B Seahawk naval helicopters, which have similar engines as the Apache AH-64 helicopters, will also be on hold, said a Mindef statement on Thursday night.

The precautionary measures came after an Apache Ah-64 chopper made an emergency landing at an open field between Woodlands Ave 12 and Woodlands Dr 64 at about 3.30 pm on Thursday.The tail section of the helicopter was damaged during the landing, but no one was hurt in the incident.

The helicopter was on a routine maintenance flight when it encountered engine problems.

'As an emergency drill, the pilots chose an open field away from buildings and populated areas to make the emergency landing,' said Mindef.

The wreckage of the damanged Apache was recovered and brought back to Sembawang Air Base at about 8 pm.